Combining a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and cutting-edge techniques, composer and producer Dave Merkel brings life to the universal connection of music, leaving listeners feeling as if they have somehow participated in the performance in a way that feels strangely familiar. Spanning orchestral to electronic to hybrid, his sounds are woven into the storylines of life. Trailers, intense action themes, emotive reflective themes, and occasional pop songs come to life on his canvas of silence and emerge as musical sounds.

The foundation of Dave’s diverse music rests on his varied experiences, from 12-years of classical piano training to playing in piano bars, from broadcast producer to performing with the Faculty Jazz Combo at Northwest College. While Dave absorbed the rules through formal education, his vast experience helps him break the rules to bring about the soundtracks of spiritual, emotional, and universal connection. He draws inspiration across the centuries including but not limited to Beethoven, Schumann, Copland, Peter Gabriel, Elton John, Pinar Toprak, Tom Holkenborg, and Trevor Morris.

Merkel has toured full-time as a performing musician, served as fill-in pianist for touring acts, conducted choirs, created custom notated choral arrangements, and provided music for various worship settings. Beyond musical instruction, his broadcast experience merged with his musical experiences to provide mixing & mastering services and track editing for multiple clients.

Living in close proximity to Yellowstone Nation Park in Montana and its Big Sky provides no shortage of inspiration for Dave to draw from for his own music, and in helping others craft and shape their own through.